New Delhi: Balochistan activists on Sunday came on the streets of Melbourne to stage protest against the atrocities launched by the Pakistani army in Balochistan. In the same vein, they also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for extending support to the people of Balochistan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his Independence Day speech, clearly mentioned his policy towards Pakistan while urging the Kashmiri youth who have taken up the gun to shun violence and return to their parents.

In his speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a rather stern message to Pakistan referring to the neighbouring country's poor record and severe human rights violations in Balochistan, Gilgit, and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

"They (Pakistan) glorify terrorists who attack us," said PM Modi. He added that the people of those areas have thanked him for drawing attention to their troubles as part of their freedom struggle.

Interestingly, PM Modi's comments about Pakistan and its support of terrorism found place in his speech. He came out openly in support of "freedom" for Balochistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. "I want to speak a bit about the people in Balochistan, Gilgit, and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The world is watching. People of Balochistan, Gilgit and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have thanked me a lot in the past few days. I am grateful to them," PM Modi said.

Later, Pakistan criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi by saying that he crossed the "red line" by talking about Balochistan and asserted that it will "forcefully" raise the Kashmir issue at the UN General Assembly session.